8 Days, 206 Films, 82 Countries: Kerala’s Mega Film Festival Begins Today

Thiruvananthapuram: The 30th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), an event widely cherished by Malayalis for bringing the artistic depth of world cinema to local audiences, will be inaugurated today, December 12, in the state capital.

The eight-day festival will showcase 206 films from 82 countries across 26 categories, with screenings taking place in 16 theatres in Thiruvananthapuram until December 19.

The inaugural ceremony will be held at 6 PM at the Nishagandhi auditorium and inaugurated by Culture Minister Saji Cherian. The event will be presided over by Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Vice Chairperson Cuckoo Parameswaran, with renowned Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín attending as the Chief Guest. Palestine Ambassador Abdullah M Abu Shawesh and German Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann will be Guests of Honour.

During the ceremony, the Culture Minister will present the Spirit of Cinema Award to Canadian filmmaker Kelly Fyffe-Marshall. The award carries a cash prize of five lakh rupees, a sculpture, and a commendation certificate. A book on filmmaker Shaji N Karun, titled Karunayude Camera (Camera of Compassion), will be released by the Culture Minister, who will hand over the first copy to Anasuya Shaji, the director’s wife.

The festival handbook will be released by Spanish actor and jury member Ángela Molina, who will present it to Vietnamese filmmaker and fellow jury member Bui Thac Chuyen. The Daily Bulletin will be released by legendary filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, who will hand it over to Cultural Department Director Dr. Divya S Iyer.

A special edition of Chalachithra Sameeksha will be released by director Kamal, who will hand it over to Bina Paul. Director Rajeev Nath, completing 50 years in cinema, will also be honoured during the ceremony. A book on him, Thanal (Shade), prepared by the Academy, will be released by T. K. Rajeev Kumar, who will present a copy to K. Madhu.

Chief Secretary Dr. A Jayathilak, Academy Secretary C Ajoy, and General Council member Sohan Seenulal will address the gathering. Filmmaker Madhupal and Film Chamber President Anil Thomas will also attend.

Following the inauguration, ‘Palestine 36’, directed by Annemarie Jacir, which reflects the resistance and lived history of the Palestinian people, will be screened at Nishagandhi.